KU basketball welcomes Chris Piper to the crew

Officials from Kansas Athletics and ESPN Plus announced Chris Piper, b’88, will fill the seat next to play-by-play announcer Bob Davis next winter as an analyst on radio broadcasts of KU men's basketball games.

The move follows the retirement of Max Falkenstien, c’50, as color commentator after 60 years of broadcasting Jayhawk games.

"As I've said before, no one can 'replace' Max," said Lew Perkins, Kansas Athletics director. "But, Chris Piper is a broadcast professional who knows our program, and who will contribute color and insight into our men's basketball broadcasts."

A four-year letter winner, Piper played on the Jayhawks' 1988 National Championship and 1986 Final Four teams.  He has served as an analyst for Jayhawk Television Network broadcasts for 14 years and for ESPN-Plus Big 12 telecasts for six years. In addition to broadcasting, Piper owns Grandstand Sportswear and Glassware in Lawrence, which produces licensed collegiate merchandise.

"I have had the great fortune of being associated with KU basketball on the Jayhawk TV Network for a long time," Piper said. "I'm looking forward to extending that association through the Jayhawk Radio Network.  I will miss working with our fantastic crew on the television games, but I am excited to have the opportunity to work with Bob Davis and be with KU every step of the way.  Max Falkenstien has been a friend of mine since the day I stepped on campus for KU, and I am honored to follow in his footsteps."

Piper will work with play-by-play announcer Bob Davis, who, along with producer-engineer Bob Newton, heads into his 23rd season of KU football and men's basketball games.  David Lawrence, d’83, will continue to host the pre-game "Crimson and Blue Line" and post-game "Jayhawk Locker Room" shows for men's basketball radio broadcasts.

"We've all enjoyed the legacy that 'Bob & Max' have brought to the Jayhawk Radio Network," said Angela Haar, ESPN Plus general manager at KU.  "Chris Piper's analysis and extensive experience, paired with Bob Davis' play-by-play, will provide an entertaining and informative broadcast that fans will continue to enjoy."

As previously announced, Lawrence will become the football radio analyst, and broadcaster Nate Bukaty, j’98, will take over football "Crimson and Blue Line" and sideline reporter duties this fall.

The Jayhawk Radio Network is operated by ESPN Plus through rights granted by Kansas Athletics.